Byrnes quarterback Bentley commits to Old Dominion

Monday

May 6, 2013 at 12:01 AMMay 7, 2013 at 1:11 AM

Rebels' Shuler Bentley makes pledge to Monarchs on Monday.

By KEVIN MELTON kevin.melton@shj.com

Byrnes High School quarterback Shuler Bentley has taken a little of the mystery out of the upcoming football season.Bentley, a rising senior, on Monday committed to Old Dominion.“It's very exciting,” Bentley said. “They are making a jump to Conference USA. Their quarterback throws it all over the place. He threw for 5,100 yards and broke (Steve) McNair's record. Their offense sparked my interest. It was something I felt like I wanted to be a part of. I also fit in really well with the coaches.”Bentley chose Old Dominion over Delaware and Coastal Carolina. He will major in education and plans to be a coach.Bentley completed 299 of 462 passes for 4,718 yards and 59 touchdowns this past season in leading the Rebels to an 11-3 record and the semifinals of the 4A Division I state playoffs. He was the state's Gatorade Player of the Year and was named to the MaxPreps.com's Junior Class All-American second team.As a sophomore, Bentley passed for 3,482 yards and 47 touchdowns to lead the Rebels to the 4A Division I state championship.Byrnes coach Bobby Bentley, Shuler's father, said he was pleased with his son's decision.“I am proud of Shuler for being a fine young man on and off the field,” Bobby Bentley said. “By committing early to ODU he has put himself in great position athletically and academically so he can focus on his senior year and leading his team. Shuler also joins a list of every graduating quarterback from Byrnes High School since 1990 to go to college.”